Christy (2025)
Director: David Michôd
Screenplay: Mirrah Foulkes, David Michôd
Story by: Katherine Fugate
Stars: Sydney Sweeney (Christy Salters Martin), Ben Foster (James V. Martin), Merritt Wever (Joyce Salters), Katy O’Brian (Lisa Holewyne), Ethan Embry (John Salters), Coleman Pedigo (Randy Salters), Jess Gabor (Rosie), Chad L. Coleman (Don King), Tony Cavalero (James Maloney), Bill Kelly (Larry Carrier), Bryan Hibbard (Big Jeff), Gilbert Cruz (Miguel Díaz), Naomi Graham (Laila Ali), Adrian Lockett (Mike Tyson), Stephanie Baur (Deirdre Gogarty)
Release dates: September 5, 2025 (TIFF); November 7, 2025 (United States)
Plot: In 1989 Itmann, West Virginia, college basketball player Christy Salters enters a local female boxing competition and wins. Though untrained, her skills impress James Martin, a local boxing coach. James appoints promoter Larry to contact Christy, and he invites her to train under James. Christy is initially ambivalent about pursuing boxing, but her raw talent and success at the sport motivate her to continue pursuing it. Meanwhile, her secret relationship with her high-school girlfriend, Rosie, falls apart, and Christy’s homophobic mother, Joyce, is troubled by rumors that Christy is a lesbian, causing tension within the family.
By 1993, Christy has moved to Apopka, Florida, with James and opened a gym. James exhibits controlling behavior, but their relationship has become sexual despite Christy’s homosexuality. The couple marry, which pleases Christy’s family, particularly Joyce. James, acting as Christy’s coach and manager, fails to keep promises to facilitate career connections for her, but the couple manage to arrange a meeting with Don King, a prolific boxing promoter with whom she signs a contract. A series of successes follow, including a win against Lisa Holewyne, an out lesbian whom an insecure Christy publicly jokes about.
Christy’s rise to fame continues, affording her and James a comfortable life. In a career high, Christy defeats Deirdre Gogarty in a Las Vegas match at the MGM Grand, marking the first female boxing competition to be shown on pay-per-view television. Her profile continues to rise as she becomes the first female boxer on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Don warns Christy about her bravado and patronizing attitude toward her competitors, fearing it may lead to her downfall.
In 2003, at James’s suggestion, Christy is appointed to fight Laila Ali, feigning a higher weight class to do so. James hires Lisa to help train her, but Christy loses to Ali. Meanwhile, James’s controlling nature has progressed to physical abuse, which is suspected by Jeff, Christy’s ringside support and a trainer at her and James’s gym. The couple also develop a codependent cocaine addiction. Christy confides in her mother about James’s abuse and manipulation, which includes forcing Christy to engage in filmed sex acts, but Joyce dismisses it as drug-induced paranoia.
By 2010, Christy’s and James’s relationship has significantly deteriorated. Jeff tells Christy that James has been stealing money from her for years, leading to a violent confrontation. Determined to leave James, Christy seeks support from Rosie, whom she reconnects with, only to find herself stalked by James. James sends clips from the sex tapes he has made with Christy to her peers and family members before claiming Christy has left him for Rosie, publicly outing her. A defiant Christy returns to their home, where James stabs her multiple times and flays her calf muscle before shooting Christy in the chest with a pistol. Christy manages to flee the house and is saved by a passerby who rushes her to a hospital.
At the hospital, Joyce blames Rosie for James’s attack. During her convalescence, Christy is visited by Lisa, to whom she apologizes for her previous hostility, and the two reconcile. Christy returns to her gym, where she is embraced by Jeff and the other staff. Christy resumes boxing without James, who is sentenced to 25 years in prison for attempted second-degree murder. Intertitles reveal that Christy and Lisa married in 2017, and that Christy has become an advocate for victims of domestic violence.
* * *
Christy (2025) | Transcript
[bear grunting]
[bear growling]
[wind howling]
[crowd cheering in the distance]
[Christy Martin VO]
Somebody told me once I fought like I was trying to destroy everyone who’d ever done me wrong. They said I fought like I had demons in me. Maybe it’s true. Maybe I do.
[“Head Over Heels” by Tears for Fears playing]
[Christy VO] First time I ever stepped in a boxing ring though, all I knew was I had to beat the shit out of that bitch before she had a chance to hit me.
[crowd cheering]
[“Head Over Heels” by Tears for Fears continues]
[door opening]
Hi!
[Christy] Hey Momma!
Something’s up.
They’re being weird.
Check this out.
You won?
No way.
Mm-hm.
Did you get hit?
Hardly.
I don’t know, my eyes were closed half the time.
Easiest three hundred bucks I ever made.
I can’t believe you did that.
I know, me neither.
Three hundred bucks?
Jesus Christ-Randy Salters!
Language.
Sis won the Toughman competition.
Check this out.
[both chuckling]
[footsteps receding]
[cutlery scraping]
What’s going on?
Why is nobody talking?
Dad!
We’ll talk about it after lunch.
What’s going on?
[Christy] Why can’t you just-Pam Doolan called me.
About what?
I don’t know.
Maybe she’s confused or something.
But she said some horrible, horrible things, about you and that girl.
You know her name’s Rosie.
Oh, I don’t know what I know anymore, because you tell us she’s your team mate, and then she’s your best friend, and now Pam is saying this about you two.
Now Pam is taking her to see a priest to get her straightened out, and Dad and I think that we should probably do the same with you.
I’m not going to see a priest.
Well, Dad and I have discussed it and we can’t be helping you with your rent anymore if you’re going to keep doing this.
Keep doing what?
[Christy] What the hell is a priest going to do?
Is it true?
Is what true?
What people are saying.
What are they saying?
Well, we don’t want you to see her no more.
People are gonna say it’s my fault in the way I raised you.
Who cares what they say?
Pam Doolan is a crazy bitch.
Why the fuck do you care what she thinks?
[Joyce] Don’t you speak to me like that[Christy] Why the hell not?
You’re allowed to say whatever dumb shit pops into your head.
Stop this!
[Joyce] Just stop!
[Johnny thumps table]
[Joyce] What you’re doing isn’t normal.
And we want you to have a happy, normal life.
[kissing sounds]
[Rosie] I’m just gonna go talk to the priest.
I have to do it.
If I don’t at least talk to him, she’s gonna cut off my allowance.
Just get a job.
What job?
She’s gonna stop paying for my apartment.
Her cousin has a room.
She wants me to move in there.
What for?
To keep an eye on me.
Why do you think?
I can’t stay.
I gotta go.
[rowdy chattering]
Over here!
[girl] I got her!
[crowd clapping]
Fucking lesbian.
[both grunting and groaning]
[coach] Break it up now!
[coach] Basketball is a team sport.
You can’t be on the team if you keep punching the team in the face.
It’s not funny.
She started it.
Oh come on, Christy.
Grow up.
Well, she fucking did.
How?
What did she do?
Huh?
What’d she do?
Fuck it. Just forget about it.
It doesn’t matter.
[dog barking]
Alright, hold your horses, Casey.
I got you some right here.
Here you go.
You’re a madman.
[phone ringing]
Oh, shit.
Hello, Christy speaking.
[man on phone] Christy, this is Richard Christmas. I work for Larry Carrier. He asked me to call you.
Sorry, Larry who?
Larry Carrier. He’s a boxing promoter out here in Bristol, Tennessee. Larry saw you fight a few weeks ago at the Toughman contest. He owns the Bristol Speedway and he’s putting a show together. He wants to know how you’d feel about making your professional boxing debut.
[Christy chuckling]
I’m not… I play basketball.
I’m not a boxer, sir.
I’ve never been in a boxing gym in my life.
I entered Toughman for fun.
Well, Larry liked the way you fought. We’ll put you up in a nice hotel for the night, and the purse is five hundred dollars. How’s that sound?
[chattering crowds]
[man snapping fingers]
Come on.
[Rosie] Here.
Good luck.
[crowd growing boisterous]
[some people booing]
[crowd jeering and cheering]
Fighters, centre of the ring.
[referee] Okay, your trunks are good here.
Your trunks are good here.
I already explained to you the rules earlier.
Protect yourself at all times.
If I say “stop” while you’re fighting, stop!
Do you have any questions?
You have any questions?
Touch gloves.
Go back to your corners.
[crowd whistling and cheering]
[bell clanging]
[referee] Start!
[thudding]
[grunting and groaning]
[crowd cheering]
[referee] One! Two! Three!
Four! Five!
[man] Get up! Get up!
[referee] Six! Seven!
Eight! Nine! Ten!
[bell clanging]
[crowd cheering]
[uplifting music]
Look at you.
Stop.
[Larry] Christy. Larry Carrier.
You did great.
Well done.
Thank you, sir.
You earned that.
That was fun.
Hey, let me talk to you about something real quick.
I loved what I saw out there tonight.
I got a trainer who wants to meet you.
His name’s Jim Martin.
He’s an excellent trainer.
Trains my son, as a matter of fact.
Why don’t you come up next week for a couple of days and meet him?
Have a look around my gym, work out with him some.
See if you like it.
If you do, I want to promote you.
Get you more fights.
Yeah, okay, sure.
Maybe you want to bring your father up with you.
Um, my dad can’t take time off work.
Okay, well, bring your mom then.
Just your mom. Jim’s a…
He’s a family guy.
You understand me?
Yes, sir.
He’s excited to meet you, Christy.
Let’s see if we can’t make a boxer out of you.
[hip hop music playing in background] Can I help you?
I’m looking for Jim Martin.
That’s him, over by the ring.
Excuse me.
Are you Jim Martin?
I’m Christy Salters.
Mr. Carrier told me you’d be expecting me.
I’m here to train with you.
[Jim] Hands up!
Sir!
What?
I’m working.
Tony’s trying to concentrate.
What do you want?
[Joyce] Hey, where you going, hmm?
[Larry] Christy! You made it!
He doesn’t want to train me.
He’s an asshole.
Christy!
Jim! Hey Jim!
Yep?
[Larry] Get down here.
Keep it up, fellas.
Jim, this is, ah, Christy Salters.
Told you she was coming in today.
Oh, yeah. Hi, Christy.
Pleased to meet you.
Hey, Jim Martin.
I’m Joyce. I’m Christy’s mum.
Pleasure.
Larry paid for the hotel already.
You said you were gonna give it a try.
I said I’d come and check it out. I checked it out.
The guy’s a dick.
I wanna go home.
I just think if Larry’s offering you a place to stay, rent-free and a job, and a trainer, that’s a real opportunity.
And now you’re just being ungrateful.
He don’t wanna train me.
You saw it. It was embarrassing.
Well, fine.
We’ll go home.
Didn’t come all the way down here thinking you were going to quit so easy is all.
And just ’cause a man said something mean to you, well that’s how training works.
It’s tough. It is supposed to toughen you up.
Hmm…
I honestly thought you was tough already.
I want to see how you move.
Use your jab. Show me some of your combinations.
Nothing too fancy.
Walt, go easy on her.
Let’s see what you got.
[whispering]
Get her out of here.
Bust her up. Break a rib if you have to.
[tense music rising]
[Christy loudly exclaiming]
[Christy groaning]
[whimpering and deep breathing]
[loud thudding]
[Christy] I’m sorry.
I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.
[Jim] Jesus Christ.
I’m sorry.
Huh.
[vehicle accelerating loudly]
[vehicles accelerating loudly]
[door opening]
[man] Alright, Christy, this is you.
Utilities are all paid for.
Telephone’s connected to the office, so any calls that come through for you, they’ll just patch them over.
After hours, calls come directly to you.
If anyone calls the office, then just take a message for Polly.
Or, you could have Polly have them all go to the machine, but then that means that nobody can call you at night.
I’m guessing you don’t want that.
You can figure it out with Polly.
Anything else, give me a call.
You only got twelve days before this next fight, so make ’em count.
No problem.
Alright.
[door closing]
Get over here.
[chuckling]
[urgent music rising]
Push off the back foot, step, snap the punch.
[Jim] Elbows in!
What’s your hand doing?
Get your hands up or you’re gonna get yourself knocked on your ass.
[uplifting music rising]
[Christy exclaiming]
[dog barking]
[door bell ringing]
What’d ya eat?
A burger.
Yeah, I come for the steaks.
The steaks are good.
You wanna sit?
Sure.
[waitress] Well, hey Jim.
[Jim] Hey.
Just the usual?
Appreciate it.
Okay.
Are you gonna have the pie again, hon?
Yes please, ma’am.
She’ll just have coffee.
I don’t want coffee.
Well, I don’t want to train a fat fighter.
Just the check, please.
You work harder than most of the men I train.
I’m training my ass off.
Larry’s a smart guy.
He seems to think there’s something to this lady boxing business, I don’t know.
We’ll see.
Maybe he’s right.
Maybe I’m gonna make you the best woman fighter in the world.
[car rattling]
[gentle music]
[Jim] How you feeling?
Good, I think.
Just jab, jab, jab.
Turn her like a top.
I’m gonna go watch ’em wrap Whitcomb’s hands.
You look cute.
[gentle music rising]
[pensive music]
[crowd cheering]
[grunting and groaning]
[Jim] You look good in there.
Just keep snapping those jabs, yeah?
Move your head.
Jab, jab, jab.
[referee] Go back.
[crowd cheering]
[Walt] Yeah!
Five! Six! Seven! Eight!
Nine! Ten!
Yeah! Yeah!
[Jim] Well done!
Yeah! Okay!
[Christy] Can you fucking believe this?
I mean, it felt so great.
I don’t even know how to describe it, but it was fucking amazing.
I mean, this other girl, she was tough, but she was slow so I kept slipping all of her punches and all my jabs were landing.
It was just…
I think I’ve found my thing.
I bet most people go their entire lives and they don’t even know what their thing is.
[Rosie on phone]
Here, take this.
[man] Alright. Let’s go.
Rosie, you still there?
[Rosie] So, boxing’s your thing?
Yeah, maybe.
I mean, I don’t know.
I’m really fucking good at it.
[Rosie] But it’s not a career, is it?
I’ve got another fight in six weeks.
I was thinking maybe you might want to come to it.
[Rosie] Yeah, maybe. I don’t know.
Larry’s also got me a job at the supply store next to the gym.
For a little extra cash…
[Rosie] Christy, I wanted to do this face to face, I did. But also, I just need to come out and say it. I guess I thought this could work, long distance, but… I met someone. I met a guy. You’d actually like him, I think. I don’t know. I feel really bad about this
[urgent electronic music]
[crowd cheering]
[referee] One! Two! Three!
Four! Five! Six! Seven!
Eight! Nine! Ten!
Yeah! Yeah!
That’s Christy!
[crowd cheering]
[Christy] Yeah!
Yeah!
Oh!
Yeah!
[kissing]
[Christy] Yeah!
Whoo!
[Jim] Oh!
[laughing]
[Christy] Oh, man.
There it is. It’s over there.
[Jim] You play angry.
That is what my basketball coach told me.
I am too aggressive.
That’s why I like boxing.
Well, boxing is only about five percent aggression.
The rest of it is strategy and control.
[pool balls clinking]
It’s chess.
You can’t play chess angry, can you?
You’re setting up moves.
I mean, you’re slipping, you’re feigning.
You think I’m going over here, but I’m actually going over here.
You’re playing a character.
You’re the little pretty pink character.
You should grow your hair long.
It’d look better longer.
It gets in my face.
You’d look prettier with longer hair.
Looks butch like that.
Nobody wants to see a butch girl fight.
You know that.
Don’t you?
I spoke to Joyce.
She said you had to leave West Virginia.
She told me about Rosie.
When did you talk to my mom?
Why don’t you have a boyfriend?
Don’t think you can get a man?
I just…
I just wanna put all my energy into boxing.
Yeah.
I see that.
I might rag on you sometimes, but it’s only because I want you to work hard.
I want you to work hard because I think you’ve got something.
I’m not sure what that something is, but it’s something.
I believe that.
Your shot.
[gentle music]
[vehicle loudly accelerating]
[gentle music continues]
[phone ringing]
Hello.
[Jim on phone] Hey there, it’s Jim. What you doing?
Um…
Nothing.
Just sitting.
You wanna come over? Hey.
We should get to the gym.
[shower running]
[phone dialing]
[on phone]
Johnny Salters speaking.
[Christy] Hey Dad.
[Johnny] Hey, sweet pea. How are you?
I’m alright.
[Johnny] Are you okay, honey?
Yeah, I’m fine.
I just miss you.
I think I want to come home.
[knock on door]
Come here.
Hey.
[Christy] I said I’d try it out for six months.
I did that.
I need to start thinking about what I’m actually going to do with my life.
Boxing.
Boxing’s what you’re gonna do.
You’re doing it.
I can’t make a living doing it.
Larry can’t find women to fight me.
I’ve trained a lot of guys, and…
I never had one that I really thought had what it takes to go all the way.
You’re lucky if you get one of those your whole life.
That’s what I see in you.
I’m serious when I say I can make you the greatest female fighter in the world.
Compared to who?
Nobody’s doing it.
Nobody’s getting paid to do it.
[Jim] That’s gonna change.
Lenny Del Percio in Florida wants to promote you.
He’s got an apartment for us in Daytona, and he can get us fights.
And when the time is right, I’ll make the call to Don King.
Don just moved back to Miami, and when you’re ready I’ll make the call.
But you gotta do the work.
You gotta want it.
Now, if you wanna stay here in West Virginia
[laughing]
I can’t stop you.
But, I don’t think you do.
I can see it in your eyes.
And I got this real nice situation set up just waiting for us in Daytona.
Daytona Beach?
Daytona Beach.
Daytona Beach, baby!
[wind chime chiming]
[all laughing]
Now Aaron Pryor is a buddy of mine.
You know Aaron Pryor.
[Johnny] He’s a fighter.
[Jim] Yeah, he’s a fighter.
Yeah, legend from Ohio.
[Joyce] Oh!
[Jim] He introduced me to Mike Buffer.
[Joyce] Oh!
[Jim] You know who Mike Buffer is?
[Joyce] No.
[Jim] “Let’s get ready to rumble!”
[Joyce] Oh my goodness!
[gentle uplifting music]
How far is the beach?
I can’t do this.
It doesn’t feel right.
This doesn’t feel right.
Just treat her the same as a man.
[Jim] It’s fine, Shortdog.
[Big Jeff] Go easy on him, Christy. He’s only small.
I’m kicking your ass next.
[“Bust A Move” by Young MC playing]
[beeping]
[grunting and groaning]
[referee] Back to your corner!
Yeah!
Keep moving your head.
Watch the jab, use your right.
[Big Jeff laughing]
[Big Jeff] You gotta fix that face, Christy. Fix his face!
[Shortdog] Get her. Fuck her!
[crowd cheering]
Yeah!
That’s it, champ!
[phone ringing]
Hello?
Hey, how are you doing?
Yeah, that’d be great.
I’d love to see you.
Where’re you thinking?
How about two?
Great.
Can’t wait to see you.
[Christy] I’ve been winning.
A lot. Like every fight.
Thanks.
He knows a lot of really good people.
So yeah.
Feels like something really big could happen.
[Rosie] That’s great.
What about you and him?
Jim?
Mm-hm.
It’s fine.
I don’t know.
My momma loves him.
Mm-hm.
Every time she calls, she just wants to talk to him and not me.
What’s the sex like?
[chuckling]
I don’t know, you tell me.
How would I know?
Well, how’s your boyfriend?
Yeah, that didn’t work out.
He was a dick.
Thought you liked dicks.
[both laughing]
I need to talk to you.
Jim, this is Rosie.
Outside.
What are you–
Hey, don’t fucking grab at me!
What are you doing sneaking around behind my back?
I’m not sneaking around!
What’s she doing here?
She’s in town to see her grandma.
We were just having a drink.
How do you think that makes me look, you sitting in a bar with a damn lesbian?
I don’t know.
Who the fuck cares?
I called your dad.
What’d you say?
I told him I was worried you might be gay.
Jim, why would you say that?
[chuckling]
I’m in the damn dark here.
You’re breaking his heart.
You’re gonna lose your family.
Is that what you want?
You’re gonna lose your trainer…
Jim, we were just having a drink.
…who’s turning you into a great fighter.
I’m the only one who believes in you.
I mean, I’m the guy who can pick up the phone to Don King, right when you’re about to take off, and you’re gonna go do this, for what?
So you can be a damn dyke boxer nobody wants to train?
Jim, I’m not…
See, that in there is your past.
Not your future.
Your future is with me.
You understand?
We’re right there.
Why can’t you see that?
We’re right there.
We’re… in this together.
We’re a team.
You want to lose that, huh?
You want to lose your family, your trainer, your career, all of it?
Or do you want to marry me?
[Jim] Well, come on, I’m on one knee, dammit.
Christy Salters, will you marry me?
Fuck, just get up already.
Okay, just get up!
Okay? Yes?
Yes, just get up.
Yes?
Yes! Get up, Jim.
[Jim chuckling]
Yes?
Yes, alright.
Yes, alright.
Alright!
Okay! Whoo!
Alright.
[phone ringing]
Jim and Christy Martin.
[Johnny on phone]
Hey Jim, it’s Johnny.
Hey, Johnny, how you doing?
Good. Is Christy there?
Oh, no, you just missed her.
She went out for a run.
But I will tell her you called.
And I’m in a little bit of a rush, too.
[Johnny] Oh. Yeah.
But will you send my love to Joyce?
Yeah, will do.
You take care now.
[Christy] Who was that?
No one.
What if I did a couple of shifts a week down at the drugstore?
They’re looking for people.
You wanna box, or you wanna work at a drugstore?
I wanna be able to pay the damn phone bill.
We need to earn some money.
Or maybe I just go back to Itmann.
If you leave me, I’ll kill you.
You just need to be seen by the right people.
You just keep training and be ready when the opportunity comes.
I am ready.
I don’t know what else I’m supposed to do.
I mean, I’m training my ass off, I’m winning my fights.
Well keep doing that.
One of us has gotta get a job.
I can’t keep asking my dad to send us money.
I mean, why don’t you just get a job?
I have a job.
I’m your trainer.
Well, it’s not paying the damn bills.
I mean, what kind of man has a job that can’t pay the bills?
[tense music rising]
I’m not getting enough fights and…
And I’m not getting paid enough when I do get ’em and I just want to make sure that if we’re gonna
[plate clattering]
I told you what you could do to make some more money, didn’t I?
And you didn’t want to do it, because you’re too good for it and that’s fine.
But if you don’t want to do it how about you stop bitching to me about the damn phone bill!
Douglas?
Jim, and Christy.
[tense music]
[groaning and grunting]
[tense music rising]
[both exclaiming]
[crowd cheering]
You to the corner!
[referee] Five! Six! Seven!
Eight! Nine! Ten!
Yeah!
Yeah!
[Shortdog] Man, she didn’t stand a fucking chance.
Bam!
She went down.
You did great.
[Big Jeff] Right, here.
Christy! I want you to meet an old friend of mine.
Jessie Robinson.
Christy. It’s a pleasure to meet you.
I mean, that was one hell of a show.
[Jim] Hey.
Jim Martin.
Nice to meet you.
Yeah, likewise.
Oh yeah?
Yeah.
We gotta get her out of here.
She needs to meet Don.
[Jim chuckling] Well, yeah…
Want to pop outside and have a chat?
[Jim] Shit.
[Christy] Fuck, why didn’t you check the oil?
Why didn’t you check the oil?
‘Cause it’s your job, you’re a man, and men are supposed to check the goddamn oil.
I gotta pull over.
No, we can’t be late.
Do you wanna blow a head gasket?
I don’t give a fuck what we blow as long as it’s not this goddamn meeting!
We’re gonna go meet Don King!
We’re gonna go meet Don fuckin’ King!
Fuck!
[King] Ho!
[chuckling]
Here he is!
Hey, Don.
Alright, alright!
Good to see you, Don.
You know Jim Martin.
Nope.
I thought you two met.
Nope.
Yeah, we met back in Detroit.
Nope.
There were a lot of people around–
Nope. I don’t forget people.
So, you’re the trainer and the husband?
Yes, sir.
I like that.
And you must be the lady I’ve been hearing so much about.
Christy.
How old are you?
I’m twenty-four, sir.
You’re pretty.
And you’re really a fighter?
Yes, sir. It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. King.
Well, tell me about yourself.
Jessie here says that you fight in all pink.
That’s good. I like pink.
Well I’m from West Virginia.
What’s that got to do with pink?
Nothing, sir. I’m just telling you about myself.
Pink was my idea.
West Virginia.
Coalmining country.
Yes, sir. My daddy and my brother work the mines.
So why in the hell are you fighting Christy?
What’s a pretty girl like you doing getting punched in the face for a living?
I’m good at it, sir.
And I figured you could help me with the making a living bit.
[laughing]
[chuckling]
Okay, I like you.
I wanna see what you got.
I have never had a lady fighter in my office.
Jessie says you have a tape.
Yes, sir.
Bonnie!
[King] Put Christy’s tape in the machine.
[VCR whirring]
[static playing]
[Jessie] Is it on the right channel?
[Bonnie] I think so.
[Bonnie] I can hear it spinning in there.
[Jessie] Is it connected to the TV?
Damn. Oh well, just leave it there.
I’ll look at it later.
No!
Wait, no. Ah…
[Christy sharply exclaiming]
Ooh!
Show him your left hook, baby.
Left hook.
[King chuckling]
Okay, Christy, okay.
Okay, Christy.
You look good.
A coal miner’s daughter who fights in pink trunks and sleeps with her corner man.
I love it.
[chuckling]
Fuck it.
Sign her up.
Let’s do it.
Bonnie, have Dana draw up a contract.
Five six-round fights at five thousand a fight.
Honey, I’m gonna throw you in there.
Sink or swim.
But what I need from you
fight good, and make sure everybody’s saying your name.
You hear me?
Yes, sir.
[King chuckling] Thank you, Mr. King.
Yeah.
[Jim] Thank you, Don.
We’ll take that contract, show it to our lawyer and get it right back to you.
Your name is Jim.
Yes, sir.
How much did she make on her last fight?
Four hundred dollars.
That contract don’t leave this office.
You sign it here, or you don’t sign it at all.
[King chuckling loudly]
[King] Only in America, baby.
Only in America.
[tense music]
[King] Oh boy, ladies and gentlemen, have I got a treat for you.
I want to introduce to you the first lady of boxing.
A new and dynamic and beautiful boxing sensation.
The Coal Miner’s Daughter Christy Martin!
[crowd applauding]
[King] Y’all give it up now.
Give it up everybody.
Y’all keep your hands going now.
Come on up here, baby.
Thank you, Mr. King.
Yes.
I want to thank you for this opportunity and say what an honor it is to be fighting on a Mike Tyson undercard.
I can hardly believe it.
And to be the first woman fight on pay-per-view I don’t think I could have ever dreamed I’d be here.
But here I am.
And can I just say, I don’t expect people to be tuning in because I’m the first woman or whatever.
Everyone should watch because I’m the best and I can fight.
And I’m going to prove that Saturday night when I stop Deirdre Gogarty in such spectacular fashion that every motherfucker in that arena is going to be talking about it.
[crowd murmuring]
[Christy] So get ready, honey, ’cause Christy Martin’s going to knock you the fuck out.
[crowd cheering and applauding]
[King] Christy Martin, everybody!
[applauding continues]
[tense music]
Stay still.
[King] Ho! There she is!
The Coal Miner’s Daughter.
The whole coal mining family.
You must be the coal miner.
Yeah, that’s right.
How you feeling, baby?
I feel okay.
I hope so.
Make this a good fight.
Please don’t let me down.
Make this a real good fight.
I’m sticking my dick out on this one.
I will.
Thank you, Mr. King.
Okay.
Stay still.
Hey, be still.
I’m trying.
[crowd cheering in distance]
[energetic music rising]
Oh! It’s freezing.
I thought the desert was supposed to be hot.
I didn’t bring a coat with me.
Hey, let’s go shopping tomorrow.
I can’t think about that right now, Mama.
Can’t think about what right now?
[Johnny] Joyce?
Let her be.
What am I doing?
I’m talking to my daughter.
I never see her anymore.
[Christy] Goddammit!
[Jim] Okay, everybody out.
Let’s go get our seats, huh?
Let’s go.
[pensive music]
[Christy breathing deeply]
I’m so fucking nervous.
I can’t get my hands to stop shaking.
Hey, you’re okay.
You’re fine.
You just treat it like any other fight.
I can’t.
This is huge.
Just do what you do, baby.
You’ve done the work.
Bring that action.
Okay?
You’re a star.
[Jim] You bring that action.
[tense music rising]
[ring announcer]
Introducing to you first, on my left
fighting out of the blue corner joining us from Dublin, Ireland, at 130 pounds with a record of ten wins and three losses, two draws, nine wins coming by way of knockout introducing the hard-hitting Deidre Gogarty!
[crowd applauding]
[ring announcer]
And her opponent fighting out of the red corner she weighed in at the lightweight limit of 135 pounds even, coming to you by way of Mullens, West Virginia with a record of 34 wins, two losses and two draws, she has 25 wins by way of knockout introducing The Coal Miner’s Daughter
Christy Martin!
[“The Beatitudes” by Arvo Pärt playing]
[bell clanging]
[man] Come on!
[Shortdog] Come on, Christy!
[man] Come on!
[both women grunting and groaning]
[“The Beatitudes” continues]
Come on, sweet pea!
[bell ringing]
[“The Beatitudes” playing]
[referee] Ten seconds.
[crowd cheering]
[boxers grunting]
[crowd cheering]
Whoo!
[“The Beatitudes” playing]
[referee] Four! Five!
Six! Seven! Eight!
Whoo!
[referee] Step.
[crowd cheering]
[boxers grunting]
Yeah!
Keep going!
Come on!
[referee] Break!
Break, break!
[“The Beatitudes” continue]
[crowd murmuring]
[Christy ragged breathing]
[Jim] You’re doing good, but you gotta use that jab more.
She keeps going backwards.
Well, use that jab. Throw that right hand behind it.
[Doctor] How’s that nose?
I’m fine, Doc.
I’m really fine.
[“The Beatitudes” continue]
[bell clanging]
[referee] That’s it!
[“The Beatitudes” continue]
After six rounds of boxing we go to the judges’ scorecards where we have a unanimous decision.
The judges scored the bout 6054, 5954 and 6053, all three in favor of the winner, The Coal Miner’s Daughter Christy Martin!
[loud cheering and whooing]
[King] The Coal Miner’s Daughter Christy Martin!
[King chuckling]
[crowd cheering]
[journalist] Maybe after this, Christy, we could get you in your kitchen cooking breakfast or something like that.
Boxer by night, housewife by day
sort of thing, you know.
But don’t worry, it’ll be fun and playful.
Oh, we get it.
Yeah, we’ve done a bunch of this stuff.
She just did Jay Leno and Good Morning America.
[journalist] Oh, that’s great.
So, Christy, they are calling your fight with Deirdre Gogarty, “the most lucrative bloody nose in boxing history”.
You’re the first woman boxer to ever appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
You have been called the fighter that’s put women’s boxing on the map.
And yet you are on record saying that you’re not really interested in being a champion for women in sport?
I don’t see that as part of my job.
I’m not here to give some kind of leg up to other women.
I’m here for one thing, and that’s Christy Martin.
I want to be recognized as a great fighter, period.
Christy’s a regular wife, actually.
She’s very ladylike herself.
I mean, she cooks, she cleans, all that, but she ain’t no feminist.
I’m just a regular wife who happens to knock people out for a living.
[both chuckling]
[“What You Need” by INXS playing]
[boxers grunting and groaning]
[crowd roaring]
[camera clicking]
[photographer] Good.
[boxing thuds]
[Big Jeff] Christy!
Meet your new cut man, Miguel.
I hear you’re the best.
I’m not so bad.
Well, I got a nose that loves to bleed.
I could have stopped it in the Gogarty fight.
Good thing you weren’t in my corner, then.
That nose is making me a lot of money.
[Jim] That bitch is fighting dirty.
She’s using her fucking head.
You don’t put up with that.
You put her on her ass.
[“What You Need” continues]
[crowd roaring]
Get back.
Back to your corner.
I just wanna say Lisa Holewyne, you’re looking real nice.
This is the first time I’ve seen you in a nice dress looking like a woman.
But when I’m done with you, you’re gonna be so ugly that not even your girlfriend’s gonna recognize you.
[people laughing]
[referee] Okay ladies, we went over the rules in the dressing rooms.
I want you to protect yourself at all times and keep the fight clean at all times.
Touch gloves.
Good luck.
Good luck getting knocked the fuck out.
There it is!
Stick and move!
[crowd cheering loudly]
The winner, the Coal Miner’s Daughter
Christy Martin!
Hi Mom, hi Dad, I love you!
[Christy] Well, if you ask me I’m the best thing that’s ever happened to women’s boxing.
I’ve done more for the sport than anyone else, and frankly, I’m not getting paid enough for it.
So, you’d like to see women boxers get paid more for their efforts?
Well, I don’t know about other women, but I definitely should.
Don King, if you’re watching I think pretty little Christy here wants a raise.
[man] And, we’re out.
[car honking]
[man] Love your work, Christy!
[Christy] Hey.
[man] Hi.
[distant chattering]
[Christy laughing]
Nope, no, it has to be five or five-thirty.
[Christy] Hey, Big Jeff.
Hey, champ.
[Big Jeff] Yeah, that works.
What are you doing?
Where’s Shortdog?
I sent him home.
I’m gonna spar with you today.
Are you still pissed at me about this morning?
No.
Get changed.
I’m sorry, what–
He’s our neighbor.
What am I supposed to do?
He was being polite, I was being polite back.
Get ready.
[hard thudding]
[coughing]
[coughing continues]
Have you heard from Don yet?
Yeah, I’ll handle it.
I know you’re handling it, I just want to know if you heard anything.
I’m in the deep freeze over here.
I just want to know when this contract’s gonna get done.
Yeah I’ll get it done.
When?
If you screwed us by making me say that dumb shit on TV about wanting more money.
Yeah, what?
I wanna fight.
I need a contract.
Alright, come on.
When was the last time you called him?
Keep your hands up.
Have you even tried him?
Keep your hands up.
You gotta call his office every few hours just to check in
[Christy groaning]
I told you to keep your hands up.
What happened?
Oh, she…
She just ran right into my punch.
She wasn’t concentrating.
Let me see.
[Big Jeff] Let me see.
[Jim] Baby, you just ran right into it.
You know you’re not good at moving your head.
[Big Jeff] You okay?
She’s not that good at moving her head.
We gotta work on that.
Alright.
Let’s get you out of here.
Come on.
On June 28th, in the year of Our Lord 1997, Tyson’s gonna fight Evander Holyfield at the MGM Grand.
I’m putting you on the card against Andrea DeShong.
Thank you, DK.
I promise it’ll be a good fight.
I mean, I’ll mess her up.
That dyke bitch is crazy.
She fucking hates me for some reason.
Ha!
For some reason!
[King chuckling]
I like you, Christy.
You got some real personality.
But if I ever hear you talking smack about me to the press again.
Bitching about your purses being too small or whatever else there ain’t gonna be no more fights.
Do you hear me?
Yes, sir.
Now, I know you gonna beat DeShong, baby.
That’s what you do.
You’re the queen right now.
Ain’t that right?
You think you what makes the world turn.
But one day you gonna wake up and realize that it turns just fine without you.
And sugar, that morning’s gonna come like
[fingers snapping]
[announcer] It has been billed the greatest fight in women’s boxing history. Laila Ali, daughter of the greatest fighter of all time. Her record speaks for itself 15 fights, 15 wins. And Christy Martin, the 14year pro who singlehandedly put her sport on the map, with 45 victories, 2 defeats, 31 wins by way of knockout. But does this veteran have what it takes to beat a fighter now considered the new face of women’s boxing?
I was the past, I’m the present, and I’m the future.
[gentle music]
You know, I was thinking maybe we could bring on someone else to co-train with you on this one?
Just for a couple of weeks.
Just a co-trainer.
Not a trainer.
You’re still my trainer.
I just want someone who can help take me to the next level.
You think I can’t take you to the next level?
It’s not…
It’s not that you’re not training me right.
My fault you’re not at the next level?
We just gotta figure out how I’m gonna beat this girl.
She’s younger and bigger than me.
[chuckling]
[Jim] Do you want me to call off the fight?
Do I tell ’em to keep their money?
[Christy whispering] God…
Do I tell ’em that?
Jim.
Jim, I’m not trying to undermine you.
[Jim] Christy’s not at the right level.
She doesn’t think she can get to the next level.
[Christy] I know I can beat her.
I just…
We were all talking yesterday.
We were all thinking that maybe we could mix up my training and make sure I’m ready.
[Jim] We… we all?
Who the fuck is ‘we all’?
Big Jeff and Miguel and me.
We were thinking–
[Jim] So you’re sneaking behind my back at the gym?
You’re talking to my guys at my gym about how you should be training?
[Christy] It’s not your gym, it’s our gym!
[thudding and banging]
[Christy exclaiming]
[Christy groaning]
[Jim shouting] You shit your pants and blame me?
[thudding and grunting]
[Christy exclaiming]
[Shortdog] Come on, take it easy.
[Jim] Okay! Okay guys, just take a break.
[Shortdog] What’s the matter with you?
[pensive music]
We gotta fight different.
You can’t slug Ali, you’re not gonna beat her that way.
You gotta fight her like you fought Lisa Holewyne.
We gotta prep like we prepped for that fight.
You need to spar with someone better.
Shortdog ain’t gonna get you there.
I’ll get Lisa in to spar with you.
Lisa Holewyne isn’t gonna want anything to do with me.
We’ll see about that.
[Jim] Take five, guys.
[footsteps approaching]
See you later, Jeff.
I’m out of here.
Yo, champ. Come in.
What’s up?
Have a seat.
How you feeling?
[exclaiming] I’m good.
You’re training hard.
I’ve never seen you train this hard.
Well Laila’s…
Laila’s no joke.
And how’s everything else?
You okay?
Yeah.
I’m just checking in.
That’s all.
If you ever need anything…
I’m here.
Anything.
Yeah, I know.
Thanks.
[Jim] Christy, will show you around.
Why don’t you get warmed up and we’ll get to it?
I really didn’t expect you to come.
Yeah, well, I actually need the money.
We don’t all get purses like yours.
We’re paying you?
How much?
Not enough for you to be an asshole.
[Jim] Create angles.
[Jim] Get out of there.
Hey, create angles.
[pensive piano music]
[both exclaiming]
[piano music continues]
You good?
Yeah, I’m good.
You’re good?
Yeah, I’m good.
[car honking]
[Jim] Find it, please.
Call me back.
How do you think she’s looking?
[Jim] She’s looking good.
She’s a little chunky, but she had to come up in weight so it is what it is, I guess.
You know, Jim, I don’t mean to question her abilities, but I’m worried about this fight.
I’m bigger than Christy and Laila’s too big for me.
I bet you wish it was you going up against Ali.
No. I don’t think I could beat her.
You’re right, you couldn’t.
Christy can.
She keeps her head right, and her attitude.
So yeah. Now’s probably the time for you to leave.
When Big Jeff gets back, he’ll take care of whatever we still owe you.
We really appreciate you coming out.
[Lisa] You know when we fought you beat me because you fought smart.
You know it.
And to beat Laila, you’re going to have to fight smart.
I’m going to peekaboo that bitch.
She’s going to think I’m over here, but actually I’m over here.
She ain’t gonna know where I am.
Okay.
Well, thanks for having me come in.
It wasn’t my idea.
I wanted a new trainer.
I got you instead.
[sighing]
You know how easy you make it for people to dislike you?
It’s like all this tough girl shit.
Bravado.
Maybe Jim tells you to do it, I don’t know.
Maybe it’s all part of the show.
I don’t know who’s telling you what, but you don’t need it.
Whatever you say.
Do you remember what you said to me when I wished you good luck before our fight?
Yeah. I remember.
You were fucking with me.
No. I was just wishing you luck.
[pensive music rising]
Sorry, ma’am.
Restroom’s occupied.
[coins clinking]
Right on.
Here we go.
[official] Laila Ali, 162.
[people cheering]
[clinking sounds]
[official]
Whenever you’re ready.
Christy Martin, 159.
Yeah!
[people applauding]
We should have made her come down more.
I’m 143.
By the time she rehydrates, she’s gonna be 170.
You’re nervous. You’re always nervous before fights.
Get off your legs.
I should be fighting Lucia Rijker.
You know she wants to fight me.
I mean, that makes sense.
Rijker is small time.
You’re big time.
Get off your feet.
[maid] Excuse me, ma’am.
I just want to let you know that I’m rooting for you tomorrow.
I think you can beat her.
[crowd murmuring]
[Miguel] Stay focused.
[tense music]
Hey, this isn’t right.
She shouldn’t be making Christy wait.
Well that’s the coin toss.
It’s bullshit.
Well, I don’t know what you want me to say.
You guys lost the toss.
Goddammit.
[crowd chanting] Ali! Ali! Ali!
It’s all good.
Focus on my hands.
Ali! Ali! Ali! Ali!
Ali! Ali! Ali! Ali! Ali! Ali!
Get that up there.
[dramatic music rising]
[crowd roaring]
[loud hip hop music]
[crowd roaring loudly]
[crowd cheering]
[loud hip hop music continues]
Alright, Laila.
Come on, Christy.
Ladies, you both received instructions in the dressing room.
I told you what I expected of both of you.
Don’t make me have no decision in the fighting.
Touch ’em up, come out fighting. Let’s go.
[crowd cheering]
[bell clanging]
[referee] Let’s go.
[Shortdog] Come on, get in there!
Come on, get in there!
[thudding]
[sounds echoing]
[grunting and groaning]
Guard up!
[crowd exclaiming]
Break up, break up, break up.
Why are you slugging?
Am I fighting crooked?
I’m dizzy.
[Jim] No, you’re alright.
Just keep your defense up.
Don’t slug at her.
I’m dizzy.
I feel like I’m on a slant.
Don’t slug at her.
Enough of that.
Let’s go, let’s go!
Stay off the ropes!
[bell clanging]
Breathe in through the nose out through the mouth.
I’m still dizzy.
I can’t get my balance back.
[Jim] Hey. You’re alright.
You’re alright.
Just give me one more round.
Get your composure back.
[referee] Seconds up!
[referee] Break, break.
[grunting and groaning]
Jim, she’s not good.
You should throw in the towel.
[slow dramatic music]
[crowd cheering]
[grand orchestral music]
[orchestral music rising]
[music fading]
[Christy exclaiming]
Get in close, Shortdog.
Get in close. Get out.
Move. Move.
You’re short, Shortdog.
Use it. Stay in close.
Who’s the fucking trainer here?
You keep running your damn mouth.
[Big Jeff] Alright.
[Jim] Dig in.
Jim. I’m done.
I’m not feeling great.
Two more rounds.
I’m not feeling it today.
[Jim] Two more rounds on the heavy bag.
Why?
I don’t have a fight.
I’m working on that.
How?
Well, I spoke to Bob Arum and he said a Lucia Rijker fight is looking good.
When?
Why didn’t you tell me?
I don’t have the details.
He’s getting into it.
Just stay ready.
[inhaling]
[Christy sniffling]
[snorting]
[Christy] Have you heard from Bob?
[sniffling]
Bob who?
Bob Arum.
Do you know anything more about the Rijker fight?
[mobile phone buzzing]
Why is Deana calling you again?
Because I need a haircut.
She called you yesterday.
Yeah, well, I missed her call yesterday.
How many calls does it take to organize a haircut?
It only takes one, but you actually have to talk to the person to make the appointment.
It’s like every time I pick up your phone, there’s another call from her.
Okay, so why the fuck are you looking at my phone all the time?
Stop looking at my phone!
I have to look at your phone. I need to know what you’re doing.
How else am I going to know what you’re doing?
I’m getting a damn haircut.
Give me my phone back.
Why are you getting a haircut?
Because that’s what people do.
They get fucking haircuts.
You just had one.
I had one two months ago.
Then it fuckin’ grew.
Maybe you’d understand if you had any hair to cut.
[thudding]
[Christy gasping for breath]
[Christy inhaling sharply]
[Christy ragged breathing]
[Jim] Ha, ha.
It’s the Salters!
Heya Jim, where’s the birthday girl at?
[Jim] Hi, come on.
Good to see you.
[Johnny] Hey Jim.
Come on in.
[Jim] Well, Bob thinks it’s a good idea.
Tie in the fight with the home video release of the movie a marketing tie in.
Mm, yeah, Rijker was involved in that film.
Yeah.
Get Hillary Swank on board.
[Johnny] Huh.
[Jim] Yeah.
[Shortdog] Hilary Swank?
[Jim] Yeah.
[Shortdog] No way.
[Jim] Yeah.
[Shortdog]
That’s awesome, boss.
[Joyce] Hi.
Mom, I need to talk to you about something.
Well, yeah.
Shoot.
Can I talk to you in private?
Will you go out front with me?
Things aren’t right.
He knows everything I do or say inside the house.
He must have the whole house set up with hidden cameras or something.
And he’s angry at me all the time.
What’s he angry about?
Everything.
And there’s other stuff too, Mom.
He’s making videotapes of us doing stuff.
He’s scaring me.
I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.
I don’t want to be here.
I don’t want him to train me anymore.
I got this…
This fight with Lucia Rijker coming up.
It’s supposed to be a real payday.
And I’m gonna need that money.
Because I gotta get out of here, and I don’t know what I’m doing, and I don’t…
I don’t even know how I got in this situation, but…
I need help, Momma.
Oh…
Oh, Christy.
You sound crazy.
Jim told me you’ve been messing around with some kind of drugs.
And I can’t tell you how to live your life, but you need to get your act together.
I’m not comfortable having this conversation behind Jim’s back, so I’m gonna go back in there and you pull yourself together before we do the cake.
I drove a long way to be here for this.
I know, Momma.
[door opening and closing]
[Jim singing]
♪ You are my sunshine ♪
[snorting]
♪ My only sunshine ♪
♪ You make me happy
When skies are gray ♪
♪ You’ll never know, dear
How much I love you ♪
♪ Please don’t take
my sunshine away… ♪
[Jim] Oh yeah, come over here.
[Jim] Come over here with that big dick.
[Jim singing]
♪ As I lay sleeping ♪
♪ I dreamed I held you
in my arms ♪
♪ When I awoke, dear
I was mistaken ♪
[Jim groaning]
♪ And I held my head
and cried… ♪
[tense music]
Hey champ, how you doing?
Yeah, I’m good.
Are you sure?
What do you need to tell me?
Jeff?
Honey, you are like family to me.
And you know I don’t like getting involved in other people’s business but…
I am worried about you.
I’ve heard some stuff.
What stuff?
Jeff, what stuff?
Jim has been skimming money off of your fights.
He’s been hiding the money in a tin can in your backyard and sending Marcel to go get it while you’re at the gym.
I think he’s giving it to his ex-wife or his kids.
I don’t know what else he would be doing with it.
And there’s other things, too.
Videotapes.
Of you.
You know.
I think you need to be very careful.
How do you know about this?
The young guys at the gym…
They were saying some things about it.
I was hoping you were going to say that he’s having an affair and wants to leave me.
[Big Jeff] Sorry.
I didn’t know what to do.
I gotta keep this Rijker purse away from him, somehow.
How do I do that?
I need that money.
Champ… that fight ain’t happening.
I don’t know why he keeps telling you it’s on, but it’s not.
[mournful music rising]
Ahh!
[tense music]
You piece of shit!
You motherfucker!
You piece of shit!
I bled for that money, you piece of shit!
It’s not yours!
[Christy exclaiming]
[Jim] Calm down!
You’re embarrassing yourself.
I’m leaving you.
No, you are not.
You are not leaving me.
[ragged breathing]
There is no Christy Martin without me.
[groaning]
[Jim] You’d think you’d be a little bit more grateful.
[mournful music]
Where you been?
I thought maybe I’d order us some ribs for dinner.
[tense music]
What are you doing?
Hold up, Christy.
Hold on.
We gotta talk. Christy?
Look at me.
Unpack that bag.
Unpack that bag.
Look at me.
Christy, look at me.
All the sacrifices I’ve made for you.
Where are you going?
If you leave me, I’ll kill you.
You do what you have to do.
[door opening and closing]
[mournful music continues]
[Rosie] Glad you called.
I’ve been following your career.
It’s amazing what you’ve done.
Thanks.
Is everything okay at home?
You sounded kind of edgy on the phone.
You’re still with Jim, right?
I’m gonna leave him.
Really?
Hmm.
Yeah.
[exclaiming]
You know, I haven’t talked to anyone about this.
I don’t really have anyone I can talk to.
What’s going on?
[phone buzzing]
I don’t know…
I don’t know. I don’t even know where to start.
I mean, I should have done this years ago.
What’s going on?
[phone buzzing]
Is that him?
Do you need to answer it?
What?
[Jim on phone] I see the way you greeted her. What do you think you’re doing? I’m so close I could touch you.
What’s going on?
He’s here. He’s watching us.
What do you mean?
What’s he gonna do?
He’s not gonna do anything to you.
But we should go.
I booked a hotel.
I’m coming with you.
[suspenseful music]
[door opening]
[birds calling]
[tense music]
[mournful music rising]
[tense music]
[door opening]
Where you been?
I couldn’t sleep.
[whispering] What the fuck?
[phone ringing]
[Rosie] What is it?
Jeff?
You okay? I just turned my phone back on.
I’ve got like a hundred messages.
Jim sent a picture of me to everyone.
[Big Jeff] Yeah. What’s going on?
What’s the picture of?
[Big Jeff] It’s um… You know… It’s dirty, it’s not good. He’s telling everyone you’re leaving him for a woman.
He sent the picture to everyone.
My boxing contacts, my family, everyone.
[Big Jeff] Is there anything you need me to do? No, I gotta go.
Let’s pack up and get out of here.
You can call him from my place.
Tell him you’ll organize a truck to come and pick up your stuff.
And then I’ll call my friend Sharon, who’s a lawyer–
I’m going back home.
What?
I have to go back there.
I need to go home.
Are you fucking crazy?
I’m not running away.
I’m not going into hiding somewhere.
I spent half my life hiding.
That’s my house.
That’s my things.
That’s my fucking gym.
I’m not gonna let him push me out.
I don’t get it.
I don’t understand you.
I want you to do something for me.
I want you to memorize my phone number.
Can you do that for me?
[suspenseful music]
[Jim] We have to talk.
I’m gonna lie down.
My head’s killing me.
I’m gonna take a nap and then we can talk.
[television playing softly in background]
[cutlery clattering]
[drawer closing]
[phone dialing]
[Rosie on phone] You okay?
Yeah, I’m fine.
I just had a nap.
[Rosie] Is he there? Can you talk?
He’s in the living room.
[Rosie] What happened when you got home?
Nothing. I just told him I had to take a nap.
[Jim] I need to talk with you.
I’m on the phone.
I need to talk with you.
I’ll talk to you when I’m done talking to Rosie.
I gotta go, Rosie.
[tense music]
[thudding and groaning]
[Christy exclaiming]
[Christy whimpering]
[Jim exclaiming]
[gasping]
[ragged breathing]
Jim, I’m sorry.
Go ahead, call your girlfriend.
Please don’t let me die.
[Christy whimpering]
[clattering and bell ringing]
Nope, it’s not working either.
[labored breathing]
[moaning]
[shaving foam exiting can]
[slow tense music]
[Christy labored breathing]
[Christy whimpering]
[loud gunshot]
[shower running]
[water running down drain]
[ragged breathing]
[water continues draining]
[moaning]
[quietly groaning]
[urgent piano music rising]
[Christy grunting]
[painful moan]
[car beeping]
[whimpering]
[piano music continues]
Please…
Please help…
Please help me.
[man] Uh…
Yeah, go ahead.
What happened?
Drive, please sir.
[Christy] I don’t wanna die.
I don’t wanna die.
[Christy] I’m sorry, I’m…
I’m getting blood all over your seat.
[man] Just keep breathing.
[doctor] Let’s get her hooked up.
Get me some saline and some gauze.
You can get her hooked up to the monitor.
And Brooke, if you can get an IV for me.
[doctor] Hon, I’m gonna cut your shirt open, okay?
We gotta look at your wounds.
One in the left AC.
Pulse is good on this side.
[female doctor] Alright, she’s bleeding pretty good over here.
[male doctor]
I need two units, Oneg.
Hi, my name’s Nancy.
I’m an ER nurse.
Can you tell me your name?
Christy Martin.
Okay, Christy, we’re going to take good care of you, okay?
Can you tell me what happened to you?
I was shot and stabbed by my husband.
[nurse] It’s okay, honey.
You’re safe now, okay?
[nurse] You’re going to be okay.
Is there anybody I can call for you?
Rosie.
Rosie?
Okay, do you know Rosie’s number?
[Christy] 681
735
0102.
[nurse] 681 735 0102?
Yeah.
Okay.
I’m gonna go call her and tell her what’s happening, okay?
You’re gonna be okay.
We’re gonna take good care of you, okay?
[male doctor] Let’s get her prepped for the move and let’s stop this bleeding.
Please call Rosie.
She’s okay.
[machinery beeping]
Sweetheart.
She’s in bad shape, but the doctors say she’ll be okay.
[Johnny] Oh, sweetheart.
Has she been awake?
[Rosie] She was awake when I, when I got here.
She’s been in and out.
Oh, I’m so sorry.
I’m so sorry.
Can I talk to you outside, please?
You need to leave.
It’s not right that you’re here.
Christy wants me here.
Christy doesn’t know what she wants.
You’re the reason this has happened.
I’m her mother, and I want you to leave.
And I don’t wanna talk anymore about it.
Where’s Rosie?
She left.
Where’d she go?
I don’t know.
Where’s Jim?
He’s been arrested.
The police found him.
Hiding in your neighbor’s tool shed.
He’s lucky they found him before I did.
I’d have killed that sonofabitch.
You know, it’s all over the news.
And everyone is saying, that you were gonna leave Jim for that woman.
That woman’s name is Rosie.
I know.
So I thought, that you could say, that you were with the other Rosie.
You know, Rosie Graham.
And that way people would understand that she’s just a friend–
[Randy] Mom.
What are you doing?
You’re fucking kidding me?
You might as well have pulled the trigger yourself.
[sighing]
[Christy]
I wish I could have been the daughter you wanted me to be.
I tried my whole life.
I tried so fucking hard for you.
And look where I am, Momma.
Look where I am.
[mournful music]
[nurse] The doctor wants you walking, Christy.
You’ve got your walker right here.
I don’t need that.
You don’t go anywhere without your walker.
Doctor’s orders.
Lisa fucking Holewyne?
What the hell are you doing here?
[Lisa] I hope it’s alright I just showed up.
I just wanted to see if you were okay.
Thanks.
So who’s Rosie?
[chuckling]
You sure as hell didn’t creep quietly out of the closet.
[laughing] Yeah…
You peekaboo’d this bitch.
[Christy laughing]
Man…
People are gonna tear me apart.
I spent half my career trash-talking women I fought.
Calling them dykes or whatever.
Oh, really?
Mm-hm.
Wow.
People are gonna laugh in my face.
Maybe they will.
You deserve it.
[quietly] Yeah.
But maybe they won’t.
Maybe you’ve just learned to expect the worst from people.
I want to fight again.
Really?
Yeah.
You know no one will hold it against you if you don’t.
Right?
You kicked every ass there was to kick.
I want it back.
I want the ring back.
In there, I’m calm.
In there, it’s quiet. Just everything goes quiet, you know?
Yeah.
Yeah, I know.
There’s rules and there’s boundaries.
Everywhere else is chaos, but in there it’s quiet.
And it’s mine.
And I want it without him.
Well…
Good luck.
Thank you.
Okay, let’s get you up.
Put that thing away.
Come on, old lady.
I ain’t doing that.
Get you boxing ready.
Let’s go, granny.
I ain’t using that.
Not using this?
Uh-uh.
I think it’s required.
It ain’t.
[Lisa] No? I’ll take it then.
Let’s go.
It’s nice.
It’s good for dips.
Get a good workout in.
Keep up.
[gentle emotive music]
[boxing sounds]
[emotive music continues]
Psst! Yo.
Hey fellas, hold up.
I’m sorry.
[gentle emotive music rising]
[Miguel] I don’t know, Christy.
Let me remind you, you got shot and stabbed two weeks ago.
Yeah, so?
[Miguel] Yeah, so I don’t know that you should be training yet.
You need to get better first.
This is me getting better.
I want a fight.
I want you to train me.
Can you get me a fight?
[Christy] Come on, Papi.
Get me a fight.
Jeff?
Alright, champ.
You’ve got it.
We’ll get you a fight.
[Shortdog] Fuck yeah!
[quiet moaning]
[Christy VO]
I go to a restaurant and I realize I don’t know what to order. I don’t know what to cook for myself at home. I don’t know what clothes I want to wear, or what I want to watch on television. I have no idea who I actually am. Every aspect of my life has been controlled by this man. Every decision. Everyone I talk to. I don’t know who I can trust anymore. Not even my own family. I don’t have many regrets in my life. But I regret not accepting help when it was offered. And I wish I would have walked out the first time you promised to kill me. Maybe I thought you were joking. But I know now that whatever it was you intended, a good man doesn’t say that shit. But you said it. You said it over and over again. And then you came good on that promise.
But guess what, motherfucker?
You didn’t kill me.
Your Honor, I’m going to object at this time.
This is confrontational.
Are you fucking kidding me?
I’m confrontational?
[judge] Sustained.
Miss Salters, I need you to just read your statement, please.
You stabbed me.
[Christy] Look at me!
Look at me, Jim.
You stabbed me.
You shot me.
You left me for dead on the bedroom floor.
But like most else you came up short.
You came up short, didn’t you, you fucking piece of shit.
[lawyer] Objection.
[judge] Miss Salters.
It’s alright.
I’m done.
I’m done.
[gentle uplifting music]
[crowd roaring in the distance]
[crowd cheering]
Knock her out, champ.
[crowd roaring]
[crowd cheering and applauding]
[“Oath (Triptych)” by MONO playing]
[“Oath (Triptych)” continues]
[gentle music]
